Associate Director of Philanthropy, COA

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University • Daytona Beach, FL

13h

About The Position

Reporting to the Senior Executive Director of Philanthropy for Aviation, the Associate Director of Philanthropy supports development efforts for the College of Aviation in Daytona Beach. In close collaboration with the Senior Executive Director, this position helps execute philanthropic strategies that strengthen the University’s fundraising capacity and advance aviation-focused programs and initiatives. The Associate Director engages donors, alumni, industry partners, and campus stakeholders; coordinates events and campus visits; supports grant development; maintains accurate donor records; and advances annual fund and other philanthropic priorities. The successful candidate is creative, self-motivated, high-energy, detail-oriented, and an outstanding communicator who can qualify and cultivate prospects for solicitation or referral to other gift officers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least three years of fundraising experience within higher education or a nonprofit organization.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors at the annual fund level.
• Strong writing, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments with consistent and robust follow-through.
• Strong character and demonstrated integrity, care, honesty, and loyalty to the institution.
• Ability to develop proficiency with the University’s CRM software and generate and interpret prospect reports.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, changing priorities, and deadlines effectively.
• Ability to adapt and remain resilient when confronted with challenges or changing priorities.
• Ability to compile expense reports and appropriately plan and execute social engagement activities.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to drive safely and effectively.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive plan to support the College’s financial objectives, with an annual fundraising goal starting at $100,000.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with current and prospective donors through effective communication, engagement, and follow-through that foster long-term support.
• Plan and manage small college events and campus tours, and execute sponsorship benefits in accordance with applicable agreements.
• Identify grant opportunities, prepare proposals, and manage the application process to support annual fundraising goals.
• Maintain accurate and timely donor and prospect records in the University’s customer relationship management (CRM) system.
• Serve as a liaison for the College of Aviation and coordinate with internal departments to support philanthropic initiatives and priorities.
• Manage an assigned portfolio of approximately 125 prospects for qualification related to major gifts, the annual fund, College Philanthropy Councils, affinity groups, and other initiatives.
• Work within a fast-paced cadence of outreach, cultivation, solicitation, and referral through email, telephone, and videoconference.
• Research and identify grant opportunities, prepare compelling proposals, and manage the application process to secure foundation support.
• Work alongside the Senior Director of Stewardship to ensure College of Aviation donors receive exceptional stewardship commensurate with their level of giving, with the goal of increasing and renewing philanthropic support.
• Coordinate with Financial Aid to ensure College scholarships are awarded effectively and efficiently and that donors receive timely information about scholarship recipients.
• Coordinate with appropriate departments to execute sponsorship benefits, including press releases, signage, logo placement, and other deliverables outlined in sponsorship agreements.
• Serve as the PAE liaison for the College of Aviation and coordinate philanthropic marketing and communications, external communications, Career Services, Corporate Relations, and other partners as requested by the Senior Executive Director of Philanthropy for Aviation.
• Collaborate with the PAE Marketing and Communications team to create program and proposal materials for donor and prospect visits.
• Coordinate campus visits for industry partners, donors, and prospective donors.
• Work with Alumni Engagement and other PAE partners to facilitate giving campaigns, including faculty and staff campaigns and crowdfunding initiatives, as requested.

Benefits

• Enjoy up to 18 days of paid leave in your first year, including 3 days granted upon hire and 15 days accrued throughout the year.
• You'll also receive 9+ paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day.
• Get 100% tuition coverage for yourself for one undergraduate and one graduate degree, and discounted rates for your spouse and dependent children up to age 26.
• ERAU contributes 6% of your base salary to your retirement plan and offers a 4% matching contribution – with no vesting period.
• Relax with 15 days of personal leave for non-exempt employees or 18 days for exempt full-time employees in your first year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level